Sinkhole grows as buyout conversations begin

A sinkhole in swampy Assumption Parish has grown to 12 acres, and officials are monitoring the threat that another area nearby could liquefy into muck.

Lawmakers received an update Monday on the latest developments surrounding the sinkhole, which opened up in August near a community along Bayou Corne.

Scientists say the sinkhole formed after the collapse of an underground salt cavern operated by Houston-based Texas Brine.

About 350 people living in the area have been under an evacuation order and many of them have been displaced for more than seven months. Texas Brine officials say they were beginning to contact residents Monday to discuss buyouts and settlement offers.

State officials say they continue to watch another nearby cavern owned by Texas Brine and don't believe it's a safety threat -- for now.